When’s The Best Time To Visit Halong Bay For Great Weather & Low prices?
Halong Bay Weather: Best time to visit for great weather and budget friendly
October to December (Fall) is the best time to visit Halong Bay thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, though you can expect double of the crowds.
However, with some planning, you can have an amazing Ha Long tour with half of the normal price.
This post will give you pros and cons for each season in Ha Long Bay, so you can easily to choose the best time to visit that also suits your budget, etc.
Also, there will be instructions on what you can do in case of your cruise tour being canceled due to bad weather at the end of the post.
Ha Long locates in the North of Vietnam – just 156km away from Hanoi capital so their weathers are similar, which means they share the same typical humid & tropical monsoon feel.
While the South of Vietnam has only two seasons (rain and dry), Ha Long has 4 seasons.
Take a look at the following graphs for an overview of the weather conditions and see when the best time of year that you should visit:
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Winter (January - February): Mystical Halong Bay
The temperature of Halong Bay is around 13-20°C which is very pleasant and perfect for relaxing.
There is sunlight during the day but mostly you will see fog and drizzles in the morning and late afternoon.
A mystical Halong Bay, where the rock formations hide under cloudy fog, fades in and out in the same frame.
“…the rock formations were looming out of a thick fog. This actually increased the intensity of the peacefulness of this wonderful bay.”-Ask Diver71au about Ha Long Bay
From January to February, Ha Long is less crowded and you will have the chance to experience Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Vietnam.
Spring (March - May): The New Beginning
The weather is not hot and is around 24°C, but it will be more likely to rain especially during March. Humidity will start to increase during this time.
However, the weather is still pleasant and there is more sunlight for outdoor activities such as swimming and kayaking in the daytime.
When visiting Ha Long during this time, you can avoid the peak season and still enjoy the nice weather.
Keep in mind that around the end of April, there will be more visitors due to Hung Kings Temple Festival and Reunification Day (You can read more about weather and information of April at below article.)
Summer (June - September): Storm Season
Summer can be hot and humidity for many tourists, but it is when Ha Long is full of charm with blue sky and emerald water.
There can be some light rain but overall, you can expect a lot of sunlight.
If you want to enjoy a clear view of the bay, especially from the seaplane, this is the best time to do so.
There will be more time for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities than in the fall and winter.
Starting from June to the end of September, it is the rainy season with a higher chance of storms and typhoon.
The temperature is around 29-32°C, so you can swim as long as you like.
It tends to rain the most during August but don’t worry too much: usually, the rain does not last long so you can relax at your hotel for a day and continue your adventure the next day with a bright blue sky.
During this period, your trip or cruise can be canceled or delayed; however, majority of cruise companies do refund or reschedule your cruise.
For more information on what you can do in case of your cruise tour get canceled, we will discuss more detail later.
On the plus side, many cruise lines offer deals and promotions during this low season.
If you keep your eyes on the weather forecast around 14 days prior to the booking, you can easily avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful Ha Long Bay with half of the usual price.
Take a look at Halong Bay overnight cruises from Bhaya Cruises, you might find the great deals from most reputable cruise operator in the bay.
Fall (October - December): Peak Season
October – December is a great time if you have plan to visit Halong Bay, thanks to its pleasant weather. The humidity level drops considerably and the temperature is around 13°C-21°C.
There is less rainfall during this period of time. However, you can expect cloudy weather toward the end of December.
Tourists can enjoy more sunshine, which is not as harsh as in the summer.
December is also time for Christmas and New Year, however, you can expect rare light rain during this month.
There will be more deals and promotions for this occasion.
Overall, keep in mind that this is the peak season for tourists, so Ha Long is expected to be packed.
On a side note, if you are into squid fishing, mark these months in your calendar because you have the best chance to catch the big squids!
Contact your tour company to have them arranged the activity for you:
What To Do If Your Ha Long Bay Tour Get Cancelled Due To Bad Weather?
The Management Board of Halong Bay is the state agency in charge of managing all operations Ha Long Bay, including:
Giving permissions for cruise companies to sail and having the rights to cancel or shorten any cruise trip in favor of the passengers’ safety.
Bad weather conditions like typhoons, storms or heavy fog are usually the main causes of trip cancellation.
All cruise companies and travel agents have to follow the final decision of tour/cruise cancellation by the Ha Long Bay Management Board, which is made till 3:00 PM of the day.
While they cannot do any about this decision, they will inform their passengers as soon as possible and provide the best arrangement/alternative options they can.
As for passengers, it is highly advised to check the news updates and stay in contact with travel agents/cruise operators to be swiftly informed of any cancellation.
Here are several scenarios for you in case of trip cancellation due to bad weather:
Scenario #1-
Prior to departure from Hanoi
When you are informed of cancellation before departing for the trip, make sure you ask your travel agent
- When is the next trip?
- Alternative Options
- Cancellation Policy From Your Cruise Company
In case you have to wait for the next trip, check with your hotel about your booking time and probably take a short tour around Hanoi if you feel like it.
Scenario #2-
After arriving in Halong Bay
If you are informed of cancellation news after you arrived at Ha Long Bay, you can either .
- Return To Hanoi
- Wait For The Cruise The Day After
- Check Cancellation Policy From Your Cruise Company
For the first option, the cruise operator will make arrangement to transfer you back to Hanoi.
If you choose to wait, take note that it can take several days for the next cruise in case of heavy rain and storms.
Scenario #3-
During your cruise trip
When you are informed of the cancellation news on a cruise trip, the trip will be cut short to ensure your safety.
Depending on the weather conditions, the cruise operator can make different arrangements.
If you learn the news on the trip’s first day and the weather forecast for the next day is positive,
- You should spend a night at a hotel on the mainland and then resume your journey.
If bad weather is not going get better:
- Asking Cruise Company Transfer Back To Hanoi
- Asking Your Cruise Company About Refund Policy
Check out the refund policy of Bhaya Classic in case of storms or typhoon for more information.
Of all the four seasons described above, which one is your favorite? Are you into swimming or other outdoor water activities?
Or do you want to take advantage of promotion programs during the low season?
After all, the weather is known for its unpredictability nature, so there can be a lot of surprises in store for even the most carefully planned trip.
But whatever month you choose to visit Ha Long, there is one thing for sure: you will be charmed by its beauty.
More Halong Bay Travel Guide
Bai Tu Long Bay: Is it worth visiting?
Located in the East of Halong Bay and close to China-Vietnam’s border, Bai Tu Long Bay is an off-the-beaten-track destination that has recently been in high demand among international tourists. Read on for more information & how is this bay compared to the well-known Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay- Everything you should know
Located to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, home of Cat Ba Island, spreads over an area of more than 7,000 ha, of which 5,400 ha are under the management of Cat Ba National Park. You can visit Lan Ha Bay during a Halong Bay overnight cruise, or rent a boat and start your journey from Cat Ba Island.
Cruising Experience: Explore the Exotic Halong Bay
What makes the cruise in Halong bay unique? When embarking on the cruise, guests will be able to explore the farther side of Halong Bay, which are Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. These areas are less known by many tourists, so the majority of the landscapes there are still unspoiled.
